Neighborhood Talks at local coffee shops

David Norlin, Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives from Salina’s 71st District, met with the public at coffee time Tuesday, Sept. 30 through Friday, October 3.

“The Neighborhood Talks were important,” said Norlin. “Many Americans were talking about the financial meltdown. I even talked with them when I went door to door, and found them watching the Senate debates almost like a football game. Those talks were an important time to just listen to citizens—and to share my concerns. In one memorable exchange, I had some folks complaining to the management about being handed a card, as if they had no stake in getting information about their future representatives. But there were far more folks glad to share their views, get acquainted, and just renew the feeling of being a neighbor to the fellow who might just turn out to represent them next legislative session.

“Neighbors can work together for change, and this was an opportunity to explore our options at the state and local level. Among many other conversations, I got a good feel for the power of local innovation by talking with Lester, a retiree who reduced waste by pumping hydrant release water onto his yard. Our citizens have great ideas. We just need to learn to use our power of innovation.”

Norlin was at several local 71st District coffee shops each morning. They included Mokas Bakery & Bistro, The Coffee Club on Crawford, the Bread Basket on East Iron, and the McDonald’s at the corner of Crawford and Ohio.